THE PORTAL HUB - Pinzgauers, Haflingers, Volvo 303s and more!

i have been advised to fit a gearbox oil cooler to my autobox as i intend to drive at altitude but was given no reason why, does anyone nnknow why this might be needed :?:

Best to post TD questions in the TD section.
There are only a couple TD owners on the list that could point you in the right direction.
It would also be prudent to update your location in your profile. It is hard to suggest where to go or who to see without a location

thanks Jim, i live in england if that is any help?

As a transmission specialist, I would say that a trans cooler would extend the life of the fluid. On steep terrain the trans works harder resulting in higher fluid temps. These higher temps over time cook the rubber seals into a plastic like state resulting in internal pressure leaks . Burnt fluid also damages the clutch plates. The clutch plates are lined with a paper facing that needs to absorb fluid to stay cool, grip, and not wear, burnt fluid turns to varnish on the plates and seals the pores hastening wear.
Best to use a temp guage also to monitor trans temp, try to keep the fluid below 220 deg F.
Hope this general trans info is what you are looking for.

We fitted a larger cooler and additional electric fan to a 718 TD for heavy towing. I'm only over the hill from you in Sheffield, give me a call on 07950 853505 or come and see us. Chhers Nigel.

I have an idea that the New Zealand military 718's "may" be fitted with transmission coolers!
They had a problem in the early days and I "believe" that may have been part of the fix!
I'II see if I can get some further info!

There's is a 718k that is owned by a Austrian electric company that has to service sub stations high in the alps . They carry a lot of kit with them ( ie the Pinz is fully loaded ). The Pinzgauer that operates is a UK build (built after 2000) and runs the TDI motor. I know the mechanic who services this vehcile. He had to fit a gearbox cooler, as they where having problems with the gearbox over heating and problems with ABS.This could be to do with more power going through the box from the TDI motor. You need to find out what weight your going to carry and is your Pinz a P80 , P90 or P93 ??
They where running a Graz built 718 (P80) they ran that Pinz to over 250,000Km , they wore it out .

thank's to you all, it seems as though what i was told was correct, but i would have thought that the reduced temperature at altitude would have solved these problems?

Willie,

The reduced ambient temperature effect is completely overwhelmed by the increased heat generated by the box running at high rpm in low gears - this scenario often requires large amounts of torque multiplication from the torque converter - this generates the heat. The auto box in a Pinz only has lockup in 4th gear so heat generation with large torque demand is an issue.

The other posters are correct, in the latest configuration Pinz a new cooling fan, fan clutch and radiator for engine and gearbox is fitted.